Day 21 Friday 4th October 2019: Atlantic Ocean
We had another late start this morning and went for breakfast in the buffet at 10.
Our walk on the Promenade deck was again backwards and forwards. This time it wasn’t by choice but because the steps to up to Deck 8 and the walk around the bow were closed.
The starboard side of the ship was sunny and the port side was cool.
At the noon message from the Captain we learnt about the Atlantic low that stretched from Greenland to the Azores.
Our lunch was from the International Café where I had a Greek salad followed by a Guinness and beef pie. In the afternoon we are went for another walk around the Promenade deck.
Then we went back to our cabin after the rain started. We watched yet another movie while we sat and rested in our cabin.
Evening and the Phillip Browne in the Theatre
Before our evening meal we stopped at Crooners for a quick drink and then went on to the Pacific restaurant. We were on the table for eight but we only had another couple sitting with us.
We went to the Theatre early again but where we had usually sat was that full. The box on the other side was empty so swapped sides. It was an excellent show. Phillip Browne starred in the Lion King as Mufassa and in many other West End Shows.
To go onto the stage he had auditioned to join the cast of Lion King and left his then job as London bus driver. We have seen him many times before but this show was special.
On the way back from the Theatre I was finally able to find a sign to the Wave Bar.
From the Cruise Log
At Sea — Friday 4th October 2019
Sapphire Princess continued to steer her easterly course throughout the morning proceeding at an average speed of 22.5 kts or 25.9 mph with a maximum of 140 RPM on her propulsion utilizing power from her 4 diesel generators and gas turbine. The depth below the keel in her noon position was approximately 3,700 metres or 12,139 feet.
Throughout the day, the vessel was exposed to strong winds and swell sytems from the port quarter. With winds in excess of 50 knots, or 92 kph, at times, sea conditions became very rough, leading to high seas during passing squalls and showers. The combined effect of the wind and swell waves generated seas in excess of 6-7 metres at times. As a result Sapphire Princess began to roll moderately, as well as pitch and yaw gently.
Later in the afternoon, in an attempt to reduce the impact of the persistent swell and sea state, Sapphire Princess altered her course to port to steer an east northeasterly heading of approximately 078° to minimize the motion of the vessel.
Along with this, Sapphire Princess reduced her speed and disengaged her gas turbine to allow for a more comfortable journey. At around 16:00 Sapphire Princess passed over Altair seamount, where the depth below the keel reduced from more than 3,000m to less than 1,000m or 3,280 feet.
At approximately 20:30, Sapphire Princess passed the mid-way point of her eastbound Trans-Atlantic crossing.
Noon Position: Latitude: 44° 14.1′ N • Longitude: 035° 44.5’W
Wind: WNW’1y Gale / Strong Gale / Storm, Forces 8-10
Sky: Cloudy skies with passirng squalls (6/8 cloud cover)
Seas: Very Rough’Seas/High Seas + Average Moderate W’Ly swell
Pressure: 1007 hPa
Air Temperature: 14°C / 57°F